NJDC Praises MOU with Israel

September 14, 2016

Washington, D.C. - The National Democratic Jewish Council today issued a statement praising a record new military aid package to Israel. The United States and Israel signed a Memo of Understanding (MOU) for the 10-year pact, which includes $38 billion in military aid.

Today's signing of the MOU between the US and Israel marks the largest military aid package ever given to any country, reflects the United States’ deep friendship with Israel and unwavering commitment to ensuring that Israel maintains its qualitative military edge. For the first time, the agreement includes specific funds for Israel’s missile defense, something that previously required ad hoc appropriations by Congress.

Despite the right wing’s eight-year campaign trying to paint President Barack Obama as anti-Israel, this pact once again demonstrates the President’s deep commitment to Israel’s security. Throughout his presidency, President Obama had already increased aid to Israel at historic rates.

Sadly, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) seems to be the one who held up this MOU, playing partisan politics on something that both the U.S. and Israel -- especially the Israeli military -- wanted to finalize as soon as possible. Republicans must stop using Israel as a wedge issue. American support for Israel has long been and must continue to be bipartisan, regardless of who is in the White House.